Film Review: Chatushkone

Durga Pujo is now synonymous with Srijit Mukherjee, just the way Christmas is for Sandip Ray. From Autograph to Chatushkone, the bar has always been set a notch higher. From the complexities of relationships and untamed ambition to the psychological murder mystery, Srijit da has time and again proved his mettle. With Chatushkone, Srijit da has not only outdid Jaatishwar (his best till date) but etched his place in the echelons of Bengali film industry.

Chatushkone is not just a story of who-dun-it. It is a journey of self-realisation, a journey of tying the loose ends of old strings… Former friends come together to relive their old days, some with a desire for vengeance, and some simply to escape the monotony of life. In a way, Chatushkone is a journey of introspection; it is the song of life.

Films within films have been done many times before in Bengali cinema; Rituparno Ghosh was a pioneer. Srijit da has not only given a fitting tribute to his Sir, but also surpassed Rituparno’s way of storytelling through year jump. The four stories, and their colour gradations, stay without even after the credits roll. Then there is the fifth story… an Ace hidden in the pack of King, Queen and Joker…

Music is an integral part of Srijit Mukherjee’s films and Chatushkone does not disappoint. We cannot thank him enough for the immensely talented Lagnajita… celebrating spring in autumn was possible only because of her melodious voice. And Boba Tunnel joins the elite league of life’s anthems after Amake Amar Mawto, Ei Srabon and E Tumi Kemon Tumi…

Even as I pour in my thoughts in this ‘review’ I am dying to scream my lungs out about the stupendous climax (and the anti-climax before that). I will desist myself from doing so. Do not try to guess the ending; even if you do, the twist in the tale will stump you.

Hats off to Parambrata for the heart-wrenching performance in the last 15-odd minutes of the film. The less said about the magnificence of Aparna Sen or Gautam Ghosh the better. The true revelation in the film was undoubtedly Chiranjeet. What a comeback!

The only thorn in this bouquet of roses that will prick you is the track between Anindo and Kaneenica. Their story demanded a proper closure, not the subtle hint left behind by the director for the audience to nibble upon.

All said and done, Chatushkone strikes the perfect balance between a thought-provoking ‘serious’ film and mass appeal. Some films stand out for the craft, some for their actors and some for the message. Chatushkone will be remembered for the style of storytelling.